Out of all people, why am I the ntred protagonist

What time is it?

I glance at the clock—5:59 AM. Just in time for a morning jog.

With a sigh, I move to my drawer, rummaging through the neatly folded clothes until my fingers brush against familiar fabric. I pull out a well-worn tracksuit and a pair of jogging pants, the material soft from repeated use.

Perfect. Just what I needed.

I toss them onto my bed, rolling my shoulders. The morning air outside must be crisp, the streets still quiet, the world barely stirring. A fresh start, a new beginning—step one on the road to getting stronger.

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[System]: Go, go! Don't stop believing!

I push forward, my feet pounding against the pavement as I make my way around the park. The crisp morning air brushes against my skin, but despite my so-called decent endurance, I barely last a few laps before my lungs start burning.

"Haa... haa..." I gasp for breath, hands on my knees. "I thought I could handle more than this..."

[System]: That's what you think after yo—

"Do not finish that sentence." I cut it off, already knowing where this is going.

[System]: Chill, chill. Just a joke! (⁠◍⁠•⁠ᴗ⁠•⁠◍⁠)

I shake my head, catching my breath. This is going to be a long morning.

[System]: Next up—push-ups!

I drop into position, feeling the cool tiles press against my palms. My arms tense, preparing for the worst.

[System]: "Pheeeeeep!" A shrill whistle slices through the air. "One, two, three—go! Three, four, five! Don't stop!"

My body reacts instinctively, muscles straining with each repetition. I grit my teeth, forcing myself through the motions.

But by the tenth push-up, my strength starts to wane. My arms tremble, sweat beads down my forehead, and every inch of me screams in protest.

[System]: Stop if you feel exhausted. Overexertion isn't the key to success.

I nod, exhaling sharply. Alright, I'll push myself—but I won't overdo it.

"Thirteen… fourteen… fifteen…" I collapse onto my stomach, gasping for air. "Haa… haa…"

[System]: Not bad, but still not enough! Next—sit-ups! Ikuzoooo!

I blink through the haze of exhaustion. Wait… didn't you just tell me not to overexert?

[System]: Huh? I didn't say that. ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯ Enough talk! Let's go!

A groan escapes me. "You've gotta be kidding me… No, I'm too tired for—"

[System]: You have no choice. Don't make me use that to motivate you.

The voice shifts, growing colder—void of its usual playful tone.

A chill runs down my spine.

I swallow hard. He's not kidding…

"I-Ikuzo…!" I say, my voice cracking awkwardly.

A heavy silence lingers.

Then—

[System]: ...…. LET'S GOOOO! Okay, once more!

I sigh in defeat. I'm doomed.

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---

I slump onto a nearby bench, my entire body screaming in protest after the brutal workout. My arms feel like jelly, my legs are trembling, and I can barely catch my breath.

[System]: You rock! …Despite being weak.

I glare at the notification, still gasping for air. "T-Thanks… haa… haa…"

[System]: No need to thank me! This is just the beginning. We'll be continuing this routine every day!

I freeze. "C-Continue… e-every day?" My voice cracks.

[System]: Whaaaat? You don't like it?

"N-No! That's not—"

[System]: Great! Looking forward to our next session!

I slump forward, gripping my face. I just signed up for daily torture, didn't I…?

Before I can lament my fate, a familiar voice cuts through my misery.

"Look who it is! Never thought I'd see the day you working out early!"

Huh? I look around, still catching my breath.

A towering figure steps into view—a solid six feet of pure muscle, built like a bodybuilder. Black hair, sharp black eyes, and an easygoing grin that could brighten anyone's day.

He crosses his arms, raising an eyebrow. "What? Why do you look like you're seeing me for the first time?"

A chuckle escapes me. How could I forget?

Max Carter. My buddy. Or as I like to call him—besto friendo. The one guy who's remained unwaveringly wholesome, even in this crazy world.

"How've you been?" he asks, flashing that trademark grin.